Plaquemines Sheriff Resigns; Charges Detailed

Hingle Submits Formal Letter Of Resignation To Sec. Of State

Plaquemines Parish Sheriff I.F. "Jiff" Hingle resigned on Wednesday and faces federal charges stemming from an investigation into business dealings in his office, the WDSU I-Team has learned.

Hingle's lawyer told WDSU's I-Team that he submitted his letter of resignation late Wednesday morning to the Louisiana Secretary of State's office.

Hingle's Attorney

Less than an hour later, U.S. Attorney Jim Letten said Hingle has been charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bribery. As previously reported, the charges came via a bill of information, instead of indictment.

Charges were also expected against local contractor Aaron Bennett, WDSU reported.

Prosecutors said that Hingle, as sheriff, entered into a contract with Bennett's firm, Benetech, and received kickbacks for services performed in Plaquemines Parish. The payments totaled $20,000, according to Letten's office.

Prosecutors also allege Hingle solicited campaign contributions from contributors and used them on personal expenses.

"Today's charges reflect our sacred commitment in federal enforcement to maintain a zero tolerance for any public corruption, in order to preserve the rights of all citizens to effective government and quality of life," Letten said in a statement.

Wednesday's developments follow a long build-up, as state and federal authorities and the media examined operations in the sheriff's office.

In May, the WDSU I-Team reported that Hingle had sought tens of thousands of dollars in reimbursements for expenses put on his personal credit card -- an unusual practice, but one that was not necessarily a violation of law. Hingle said at the time he would ask the Louisiana Attorney General to examine how the reimbursements were made.

Additional reports by print and broadcast outlets focused on a 2007 contract between the sheriff's office and Benetech, a local firm owned by Aaron Bennett. Those reports outlined meals, travel and gifts -- paid for by Bennett or his company.

Hingle announced this summer that he would not seek re-election to the post he has held for 20 years. In a statement released in August, Hingle said it was "with a heavy heart" that he reached the decision not to run, and said he "acted in good faith and in the best interest of the sheriff's office."